A DEVASTATED Widnes mother whose son was killed in an industrial accident has spoken of his 'zest for life'.

Francis 'Franny' Cosgrove, 21, died as a result of an accident on a work site in the Isle of Man, where he was involved in building a new sewerage system on Tuesday, August 28.

He had moved from Widnes with his girlfriend Emma Joyce, 24, also of Widnes, last November.

The couple had gone to the Isle of Man for a break but decided to stay and soon got jobs and a flat in Douglas.

Franny was helping to lay new pipes for a Department of Transport project when a dumper truck allegedly fell into a trench where he was working.

Police and the Health and Safety Inspectorate are now investigating the incident and Farrans, the company carrying out the work, has launched an internal inquiry.

An inquest into the death is due to be opened.

Franny's mother, Sheila, of Avondale Drive, Widnes, said: 'Franny and Emma went to the Isle of Man for a break and ended up staying. They both soon got jobs and made new friends. They were both doing really well.

'Everything revolved around Emma. She and his family meant everything to him.

'He wanted to make us proud of him and we were.

'He had such a zest for life, he was always smiling, and he loved Everton football club.

'Everyone we've spoken to has said what a lovely lad he was.' Franny and Emma had just returned to the island after a holiday in Majorca with Sheila, father Frank and his three younger brothers, Robert, 19, Steven, 17, and 13-year-old Stuart.

Frank said: 'He was a role model to his brothers, they all looked up to him.'

Arrangements for Franny's funeral have yet to be made, with his body expected to be released at the end of this week and transported back to Widnes.

The Department of Transport has expressed its sympathy to the Cosgrove family and to Franny's friends.

Anybody who wishes to send cards or flowers to the Cosgrove family can forward them to Sheila and Frank Cosgrove at 180 Avondale Drive, Widnes.